How to Choose the Right Restaurant POS System: Expert Tips from 20+ Years in the Industry 

Whether you’re opening a fine dining restaurant, managing a bustling bar, or running a quick-service kitchen, choosing the right restaurant POS system is one of the most important business decisions you’ll make. A great POS system does more than ring up sales — it manages tables, streamlines kitchen communication, handles payments, tracks staff, enables online ordering, and improves your overall guest experience. 

At Nationwide Payment Systems, we’ve helped restaurants of all sizes find the right tech for over 20 years. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to choose the right restaurant POS system.

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🥘 1. Identify Your Restaurant Type 

Not all POS systems are created equal. The best system for a fine dining restaurant won’t be the same as one for a quick-service taco spot. First, define your operation: 

• Fine Dining: Table management, wine pairing notes, server-side modifiers 

• Bar/Nightclub: Fast checkout, age verification, multi-tab handling 

• Quick Service (QSR): Speed, kiosk ordering, mobile payments 

• Full-Service: Tip tracking, table transfers, kitchen display integration 

💡 Your service model determines what features are truly essential. 

⚙️ 2. Determine Key Features You Need 

Before signing up for a system with fancy bells and whistles you might not use, ask what features will make your day-to-day easier. Common must-haves include: 

• Online ordering & delivery integration 

• Curbside pickup tools 

• Table management 

• Modifier customization (for menu items) 

• Loyalty programs 

• Happy hour pricing, combo deals, and tips 

• Order and Pay at the Table 

If you’re running multiple registers or have high-volume ticket times, you’ll also want multi-terminal sync and real-time reporting. 

💳 3. Consider Your Payment Preferences 

A POS system must support flexible and compliant payment methods: 

• EMV (Chip) Cards 

• Contactless (Apple Pay, Google Pay) 

• Split checks & tips 

• Gift cards and loyalty redemptions. 

• Dual pricing (0% programs) 

• Flat Rate or Cost-Plus Pricing available as well. 

With Nationwide Payment Systems, we provide restaurant owners with dual pricing options and integrations with various payment gateways — all with transparent pricing and no hidden fees. 

👨‍💻 4. Evaluate Support & Training 

Most restaurant owners don’t have time to wait for tech support to reply to an email while their kitchen printer is down. Ask these questions before committing: 

• Is live support available 24/7? 

• Do I get a dedicated relationship manager? 

• Are onboarding and training provided? 

• Is the system cloud-based or server-based (or hybrid)? 

• Always install a 4/5G Card on your router so you never lose internet. 

• In person install available from qualified tech.  

We offer server-based solutions that don’t go down if your internet is perfect for high-volume restaurants, especially when reliability is a must. 

🚀 5. Thinking About Scalability 

Can your POS grow with your business? If you’re planning to open a second location, launch a food truck, or add catering, make sure your POS can: 

• Sync data across locations. 

• Adjust for different menus and pricing. 

• Offer consolidated reports. 

• Support different tax rates and tips by location. 

• Self-Service Kiosks 

• Order and Pay at the Table 

• Online Ordering  

• Link all your delivery apps to the POS. 

• Link to your QuickBooks 

• Inventory Control 

• Liquor Control Options- Berg – Bar Vision 

• Lower your Liquor Liability Insurance  

A future-ready POS system will save you from costly upgrades or migrations later. 

✅ Conclusion: Don’t Just Buy a POS — Choose a Partner 

The right POS system can reduce stress, improve service, and boost revenue. But the real power comes when you work with a partner who understands the restaurant business — and can help you implement the right solution. 

🍽️ Ready to find the perfect POS for your restaurant? 

Book your FREE consultation with Nationwide Payment Systems today. 
With over 20 years of industry expertise and multiple restaurant-specific POS options, we’ll help you choose a system that fits your needs, service style, and future growth. 

👉 Click here to schedule a call 

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions